412 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. April, 1590, thirty-six articles were delivered to him in writing, which, as an inducement to take the oath, he was allowed to read. These articles related to the persons, places, and times of their associations, and the subjects discussed on those occasions. Upon .a second examination, and still refusing the oath, he was committed close prisoner.. Though we are unable to learn whether he continued to refuse the oath, he certainly gave his answer to at least part of the interrogatories. He underwent many severe ex- aminations before the high commission, and the star- chamber; and on one of these occasions, he gave the following'answers, containing, it is said, " a true account of that which Edward Snape confesseth, he wrote and gave forth :" 1. " Touching the substance of my calling to the ministry, I affirm, that 1 had it of the church of God, being ap- proved by the godly and learned neighbouring ministers, and chosen to the function by the people of my charge. Touching that allowance which I had of the bishop, I take it to be a thing merely civil, belonging to a civil magistrate, which authority he bath by act of parliament; and which, therefore, I might lawfully receive at his hands, for the peaceable execution of my ministry. 2. " Touching the use of the Book of Common Prayer, I will use it only in those things which are justifiable by the word of God. And if it can be proved unto me, by sound reasons out of that word, that it is utterly unlawful to use any part of it, I will cease to use it at all. 3. cc Touching the calling of elders, I do promise to use all holy and lawful means, for the procuring of it. 4. cc Touching the surceasing of my ministry, I do also promise, that though I shall be inhibited by the bishop, yet, if the greater part of the communicants of my charge, shall require the continuance of my ministry ; and shall also bind themselves to minister competently to my neces- sities ; and shall have the consent of the godly neighbour- ing ministers, bonds or liberty, I will not surcease. 5. "Touching obedience to the bishops, I promise not to yield myself subject to them, in any things but such as are civil; and otherwise to disclaim any of their authority over me, as they are taken for ministers. 6. cc To conclude. Whatever I use in my ministry, MS. Chronology, vol. ii. p. 435. (3.)
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